A new friend has come into my life!

[mac]

Found languishing in a garage in West Runton (North Norfolk Coast), not having seen the light for over 10 years.

No rust whatsoever! - the only blemish on the body is a "shopping trolly crease" on the o/s. Interios spotless. Engine free, clutch free, all brakes seized solid.

I have a new project!





He he he - 44 year old tows 22 year old - sure got some looks on the way home.

Mac.

[Bobelix]

How cool is that

[Chris_C]

Nice one Mac! When I first saw it, I had to check the plate. Looks loads like my Mum's old 1.7 GL (most of the reason I've been stuck on this site for the last 5 years), though that was a 5dr.

If there is any parts I can offer up after what you've given me in the last couple of years, just say. I know you've been offering huge amounts of your stock on here, would be a shame to see you not having what you need for your own car now you have one again

[trabitom99]

Nice buy, mac! Same colour as mine What are your plans for it?

If there is any parts I can offer up after what you've given me in the last couple of years, just say. I know you've been offering huge amounts of your stock on here, would be a shame to see you not having what you need for your own car now you have one again

+1 to that ...

Tom

[volvosneverdie]

Looks good mac!
get some back to black on that front bumper though!

Lovely 3doors are getting rare (i know everythings rare these days) now, so very well found.
Is it a 1.4 man?

[nomead]

Good contender for the "new and old" photo competition. Nice find, congrats!

[jtbo]

Very nice, little something to do, lot of something to enjoy

Are you planning to keep her as a collection car?

[SteveP]

Good work mac, about time What's the plans for this one?

[mac]

Afternoon everybody - things are not quite as simple as "me see - me buy" I've actually been looking for some time for a "solid" 300 for a member of the local VOC (an elderly gentleman aged 82, and in fact the owner of the Amazon). I went to see this one and hadn't the heart to snap it up for myself. I've got the job of "recomissioning" it and have first refusal if he ever parts with it. He does very few miles and is as keen as I to bring it to "a keeper" state. As such it really is my project.

As I bring it back to life I intend to photo document the work - and post regular updates.

Initial assessment is quite good - as I have said the body is exceptional as is the underside. The only blemishes are the above mentioned crease, a patch of flaked paint 1" long on the bottom edge of the front valance and what seems to be a slight swelling of the o/s sill seam about half an inch long. Full cavity waxing is in order. The interior is spotless.

The bonnet cable is broken (but a new one was found in the boot). The engine turns over but the plugs are verrrry tight - I'll lift the head in any event and soak the pistons in releasing fluid to ensure the rings are free. I'll do a head job, and rebuild the carb as all the gaskets and diaphrams will have dried out. I'll strip and check starter and alternator.

The clutch is free and the gearchange seems fine, the diff, of course, leaks. All oils will be changed and a new cover gasket kit fitted (now where will I get one of those?).

The brake pedal is absolutely solid and I suspect the m/cyl is seized solid - as are the calipers. I shall rebuild the m/cyl and calipers as a matter of course and replace the rear cylinders and friction materials.

Dampers seem fine, as does the steering, and struts.

Amongst the large list presented to the dealers this afternoon the following are NLA:-

3287082 valve stem seals
3101036 rocker cover gasket
3277001 'T' nipple (in breather)
3213440 manifold gasket
3213462 manifold to downpipe gasket
3293749 caliper carrier to strut bolts
3342916 brake fluid resovoir to cyl seals
3293437 h/brake cable support hooks

Did order some door pins and front hub nuts though - oh and they wanted over £75.00 for a glove box catch for my 940 !!!!

Naturally tyres and battery will be needed and then we shall see what we shall see.

Thank all for your kind words - I really am alllllllmost nearrrrly entitled to be here now.

All the best - Mac.

[volvosneverdie]

ha ha.
Non owner but dedicated keeper then.

Looking forward to the re-comissioning pics dude.

[tommysb]

Good old West Runton! good for 2 things...Surfing, and stashing Volvos in sheds!

[mac]

The first report!

Have begun the taking apart process.

stripped off the carb and manifolds, lifted off the R/C and guess what:- Complete lack of black crud!




lifted the head and will soak bores to ensure the rings are free when we eventually go for a start.



All brakes seized solid - pretty typical:-



And the rears:-



Close up of manky rear:-



The handbrake mechanism - just as bad!! :-



Now old Mac will play with oily bits all day but I hate polishing cars! - so a lot of arm twisting gained the services of Dave Barker (a local VOC member and good friend) who wins the S80 class at everrrry BKV (and actually loves cleaning cars!)

Dave working his magic on the front bumper:-



I'm now going to start on the sub assys that I've removed (back to my workshop - not at the storage lock up). I'll report further as I go but just to leave you --- how the body looks now!!




Strange what gives us pleasure.

Mac.

[340GLT]

I have a mint breather t piece mate if you need it.
Adam

[mac]

you've been PM'd Adam,

Mac.

[mac]

Re - commission update.

Head tidy'd up and a light valve lap.
seized spark plug extracted.



Working on the front calipers.
(the pistons, remmarkably, are fine).




The rears looking a little cleaner,



Mac.